Oeko-Tex Vs. Organic Sheets
The average person sleeps 220,000 hours in a lifetime. That's a lot of time spent slumbering under sheets and textiles that may be manufactured with harmful chemicals. Sheets made from organic textiles and sheets bearing the Oeko-Tex label are less toxic choices. Does this Spark an idea?
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Oeko-Tex Vs. Organic
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To achieve the Oeko-Tex 100 standard, fabrics are tested to determine acceptable levels of 100 chemicals. According to the Organic Trade Association, organic cotton is grown in a way that minimizes the impact on the environment. Sheets and other textiles are commonly manufactured from organic cotton. Organic cotton sheets may bear the Oeko-Tex 100 certificate.
Background and Regulation
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Organic cotton is grown without the use of herbicides and pesticides. Organic cotton farming techniques eliminate the use of harmful herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers. Estimates indicate that 1.5 pounds of these chemicals are used in the production of a sheet set. In the United States, organic cotton production is regulated by the federal government. The Oeko-Tex Association is an international agency with headquarters in Japan and Europe with independent representatives in 50 countries worldwide who undertake testing according to the Oeko-Tex 100 standard.
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Considerations
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Products bearing the Oeko-Tex certificate have been tested for chemicals such as formaldehyde, lead and dyes. If the textile is worn or used close to the skin, the standards are even more stringent. Organic sheets are made from organic fibres, including cotton, bamboo, flax and linen. These products are usually chemical free, and colors are natural rather than chemically dyed.
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References
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